Windstar Cruises, which reinvented itself in recent years by doubling the size of its fleet with three power yachts, is poised for more growth.

The three Star Class ships will each be sliced apart so a new 84-foot section can be inserted that will increase capacity from 212 guests to 312. Each ship will get 50 more suites, two new dining locations, new retail space, a larger fitness center and a new spa.

Work on Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride will take place between October 2019 and November 2020 at Sicily’s Fincantieri Shipyard. Windstar also operates three motor-sail ships—the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and the 310-passenger Wind Surf.

The Star Plus Initiative

The $250 million Star Plus Initiative—which will increase Windstar’s total capacity by 24 percent—is being carefully undertaken to maintain the line’s commitment to small-ship, yacht-like cruising.

“It is not about getting bigger, it is about getting better and offering our guests more of what they love about Windstar,” said Steve Simao, Windstar’s vice president of sales.

“Each ship is set to carry 312 guests total, which is an intimate size that still offers freedom of choice of activities and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers who share their life and travel experiences.” The company said it plans to hire additional crew to maintain the line’s 1.5:1 guest-to-hotel staff ratio.

The project also will replace seven engines per ship with four new, environmentally friendly engines that run on cleaner fuel and reduce emissions. “This is a very important point because it will improve operations and give the ships greater speed and flexibility,” Simao said. “It will allow us to further expand Windstar’s large list of cruise ports and regions.”

How to Sell Windstar

“Windstar relies on travel advisors to spread the word of our brand. Windstar Cruises is sold and marketed via storytelling,” Simao said. “We aren’t an easy brand to understand, and so I encourage travel advisors to take our Star Specialist program, so they can become familiar with our brand—or even better, travel aboard our ships by taking advantage of one of our Travel Advisor Appreciation fares.”

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